Event Date: June 23rd, 1986
Event Description: Championship Contest Set
Source: Football News
Three touchdown throws by Jim Kelly and a one-yard scoring run by Sam Harrell in the second half sent the Houston Gamblers cruising past the New Orleans Breakers, 34-10, and into the USFL championship for the second time in three years.
After leading 6-3 at the intermission, Houston took control in the second half thanks to a one-yard touchdown run by Sam Harrell, capping a nine-play, 73 yard drive, which was then followed by a 66-yard strike from Kelly to Clarence Verdin as the Gamblers moved out to a 20-3 lead.
The Breakers moved to within 20-10 after a Matt Robinson to Marcus Dupree 15-yard touchdown pass, but were shut out in the final quarter as Houston cruised to victory.
By winning against their conference rival, the Gamblers earned a trip to Jacksonville, where they will again meet the Birmingham Stallions for the league title. The teams met in 1984, with the Gamblers coming out on top by a score of 35-26.
Birmingham beat Jacksonville 44-27 behind a four-touchdown performance by quarterback Cliff Stoudt. The Stallions scored 24 unanswered points and finally broke free of Jacksonville in the fourth quarter after trailing 27-20 at the start of the final frame.
Stoudt and Bulls’quarterback Ed Luther both threw four touchdown passes as the Stallions and Bulls combined for over 500 passing yards. Perry Harrington led all rushers with 170 yards on 23 carries, while Bo Jackson paced Birmingham with 110 yards on ten touches.
Houston running back Sam Harrell had a career playoff high 131 yards rushing on 22 attempts.…Matt Robinson finished with 275 yards on 16-of-31 efficiency with three picks and three sacks…a report out of New Orleans over the weekend claimed that the Breakers may be forced to relocate due to the financial issues facing the Superdome.
more to come......
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